Letter: Two thumbs up for "The Punisher"

Dec. 3, 2017

To the Editor:

When I first turned on “The Punisher,” I expected to see and hear a lot of guns going “bang.” It is the Punisher we’re talking about. But I was moderately amused when the show quickly broached politics by portraying a National Rifle Association member as a clear nutcase.

After all, this is Hollywood, and isn’t that how all Hollywood liberals view the millions of Americans who support the Second Amendment? Even I chuckled at the character at first – it was a pretty good portrayal of the left’s stereotypical gun nut, and I have no problem with a little self-deprecation now and then. But then the character got even loonier, advocating for the violent overthrow of American society and effectively indoctrinating a young veteran comrade to attempt just that. “Great,” I thought. “We’re all portrayed as violent psychopaths.”

Then came the unexpected balancing act, which was pulled off spectacularly. Later in the season, we meet a left-wing senator whose relatively few scenes consist of him advocating for stricter gun laws. But he is no hero. He is a self-serving and hypocritical politician, who is rabidly anti-gun – until he wants them for his own protection. Consider him the right’s stereotypical version of the liberal Washington elite.

Meanwhile, civilian-heroine Karen Page carries a gun in her purse. Legally. In New York City. And her gun is taken just moments before she needs it most.

Overall, the show comes out remarkably balanced on a hot-button issue, and for that reason, I give it two thumbs up.